Earwax is a natural and very healthy product. Special cells in the ear canal produce wax in order to keep the ear free from infection and buildup of debris.  Earwax is made up from skin cells, fats; because the wax is sticky it traps dust and even insects! Having wax is normal and healthy it lubricates the skin and helps the movement of forgiegn matter out of the ear.

Sometimes the system fails, this can be due to too much debris or from being abused with cotton buds. On occasion this can also fail with water from hot tubs and spas.

If this happens then the system needs a reset with expert treatment to removal all the built up wax and foreign matter.

Ears blocked with wax can affect hearing and cause pain. Water can become trapped behind accumulated wax and this can lead to infections as well as increasing pressure which is very painful.

If you suffer from any of these conditions, it’s best to have your ears checked regularly to prevent any damage.

Having too much wax can be painful, from mild to severe. It can reduce the clarity of hearing as well as causing balance issues. The severity of such problems can relate to the shape of the ear, as well as the consistency of the wax; and the cause for this becoming stuck. If the wax is stuck, compacted or even stuck to the ear drum this will only be released with expert assistance. Cotton buds are a key reason for wax and foreign material becoming lodged leading to pain. Failure to do remove these obstructions may permanently damage the hearing process as well as the ear drum.

Although one can feel the sensation of fullness in the ear, it is impossible to know that the cause is wax until there is a proper examination.

Some clues that may indicate excessive wax include:
* Reduced hearing
* Whooshing sounds
* Reduced balance,
* Itchy or wet sensations, which can increase infection risk if not draining well.
* Consider is something moving in the ear, it could be a bug (it can happen)!

A build-up of earwax is like wearing earplugs and can dull your hearing. Alternatively, some people experience intense itching deep inside the ear canal, but if you have pain, or are in doubt, then always check with a professional.

Ears blocked with wax can affect your hearing, trap water in your ears (increasing the risk of infection), causing pain and imbalance. Blocked ears can also hide a multitude of conditions that need medical attention, so have your ears checked and cleared by an expert.

Yes. Microsuction is the best available treatment for ear wax removal.  Using water can be very dangerous.

Yes! The ear drum will always be weaker following a perforation, but the safest and only way for you to have treatment is have microsuction.  The pressure of water used in irrigation or syringing may cause you to have a further perforation.

With syringing one needs to us olive for 14 days, with microsuction this isn’t needed. The benefit of this means that the you can be seen as soon as you have pain or discomfort and the team at Peninsula Ear Care can get you back to normal as soon as possible.

Sadly there are a few people for whom microsuction isn’t suitable. These include people who suffer with severe dizziness.  People who had a problem in the past with microsuction.  People who are not able to remain still, this can include young children.

Yes, everyone can have microsuction and it is safe. You need to be aware that this is a loud procedure and many children do not like having this done.  As long as the child is able to remain still (much as when seeing the Dentist) then the team would be happy to arrange an assessment. Children often find the noise to be scary, therefore we only see over 10 years of age as a principal. If you want to book for an under 10, then get in touch for a conversation first.

This depends on you, the type as well as quantity of wax your ears produce. Some people need treatment once a year, others need more frequent cleaning. Peninsula Ear Care are happy to discuss this with you in an assessment appointment, to ensure that the decision is correct for you.